Parnassus

"Parnassus," a dynamic drawing executed between 1600 and 1620, is modeled after the iconic Vatican fresco designed by Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael Italian, 1483-1520. The drawing captures the complex gathering of Apollo, the Muses, and celebrated poets on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The artist employed pen and brown ink alongside brush and brown wash, characteristic techniques of the period used for preparatory studies or record copies. The composition is further enhanced by lead white highlights, which have oxidized over time, contributing to the drawing’s aged character on tan laid paper.

This work serves as a prime example of the enduring influence of the High Renaissance master in early 17th-century Italy. Following Raphael’s death, his compositions were widely circulated through reproductive prints and detailed drawings like this one, ensuring his classical style remained the dominant standard for artists and academies. The original fresco celebrates the harmony between poetry, music, and learning, subjects central to the intellectual life of the period. This drawn adaptation captures the essential classical balance and monumental figural arrangement of Raphael’s design.

As a historical drawing, this piece provides valuable insight into the transmission of artistic ideas across generations. Today, many of Raphael’s foundational works are considered public domain, allowing high-quality prints and studies of compositions like Parnassus to be widely accessible for scholars and students. This significant study resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, illustrating the continuous reverence for the artistry of Raphael more than a century after its initial creation.